Lesson 1: Creating a Simple SDI Application (2003)

This MFC video tutorial demonstrates how to make a simple GUI application. MFC stands for Microsoft Foundation Classes and is a C++ class library, which wraps the Win32 API (Application Programming Interface) in a cleaner, simpler form. SDI stands for Single Document Interface, which we will explain more when we talk about the architecture of MFC applications.

For this lesson, and to create MFC applications in general, you need to have Microsoft's Visual C++ or Visual Studio Standard Edition or higher (Professional or Enterprise). MFC is not available in the free Express Editions.

1. Open Visual C++. Left-click "File" in the menubar, mouse over "New" in the submenu, and left-click "Project" in the submenu. This will open the "New Project" dialog.



2. In the dialog, left-click "Visual C++ Projects" in the "Project Types" box. Then left-click "MFC Application" in the "Templates" box. Next, left-click the box next to "Name:" and replace the text with "Lesson1." Finally, select a location for the project by using the "Browse" button and click the "OK" button when you are done.



3. This will start the "MFC Application Wizard." Left-click "Application Type." Next, click the radio button next to "Single document" under "Application type:". Then click the radio button next to "Use MFC in a static library" under "Use of MFC:". Finally, click the "Finish" button to create the project.
4. Now, all we need to do is compile and execute the program. Left-click "Debug" in the menubar and left-click "Start Without Debugging" in the submenu.
5. This will pop up a message box to ask whether you would like to build the program. Click the "Yes" button.



6. When the program finishes compiling, you should see a window entitled "Untitled–Lesson1." This window is the SDI application that was created.